As WarbirdsNews readers will be well aware from previous articles, we are privileged to have had sponsorship from MySkyCart.com this past year. MySkyCart produces an array of aviation-themed, authentic airline galley carts, which also have a duel use as a functional, mobile storage unit and/or conversation piece in the home. We have shown you some of their warbird-themed pieces already, but thought you would also like to see their Sky Cart dedicated to one of the worlds most famous airlines, Pan American World Airways. It is a cool design, and is sure to find a keen audience within the aviation world.

For many of us old enough to remember flying in the 1980s and earlier, Pan American World Airways was the quintessential American international airline. Like many of those early airlines, it’s roots were steeped with military overtones. Army Air Corps veterans of the First World War, Henry “Hap” Arnold and Carl “Tooey” Spaatz were two of its founding partners, and later went on to play major roles in the WWII, as we all know. In 1927, Pan American, became the first U.S. airline to fly regularly scheduled, international passenger flights. Albeit, it was just a route from Key West to Cuba, but it was a significant first step. While they started out small, Pan American became a driving force of aviation innovation, from technology to technique. They also played a direct role in the development of many aircraft which served a dual role in the U.S. military from the 1930s onwards. Before WWII, Pan American became synonymous with luxury and style, with their massive, four-engined flying boats such as the Boeing 314 and Martin M-130. You could also say that they helped keep these struggling manufacturers afloat in those dark days following the Wall Street crash of 1928. Pan American also became a pioneer in long distance air travel, and one of the key organizations in developing international air routes prior to WWII. They often partnered with the U.S. military in such endeavors as well, and supported the nation’s efforts in wartime as well.

The Pan American World Airways Boeing 314 Yankee Clipper (serial NC18603), circa 1939. This aircraft started the Transatlantic mail service. It crashed in Lisbon, Portugal, on 22 February 1943 and was written off. (photo via Wikipedia)

Pan American continued to lead the way well into the jet age. They were the launch customer for the mighty Boeing 747, and contributed greatly to its development, and eventual success, which was no sure thing when the aircraft first flew in 1969. Ironically though, it was partly the fault of Pan Am’s heavy investment in the 747 which led to the airline’s demise.

A Pan Am Boeing 747-100. (photo via Wikipedia)

The oil crisis of 1973 led to massively higher fuel prices, which significantly trimmed Pan Am’s profits, and also stymied the hoped-for continued increase in air travel by the general public. Lobbying from U.S. domestic airlines had also made it impossible for Pan Am to establish their own domestic routes, or even to merge with another domestic carrier until after deregulation in 1978. Once an international juggernaut, Pan Am slowly began to fade through a series of poor decisions, hubris, and an inability to compete against discount airlines. Pan Am sadly succumbed to the inevitable, ceasing operations in December, 1991. But they left behind an enormous legacy of contributions to both modern society and the global economy. Even with the airline’s demise, it wasn’t the end of PanAm as a brand. Their name lives on in the Flight Academy they formed at their home base in Miami, and also with the railway company Guilford Transportation Industries, which bought the airline’s naming rights and associated intellectual properties in 1998. Guilford now trades under the name Pan Am Railways.

One of the rail cars owned by Pan Am Railways. (photo via Wikipedia)

Back in 2014, MySky entered into a licensing agreement with Pan Am Brands, a division of Pan American World Airways, Inc. to produce a line of Airline Service Trolleys for home or office use HERE. “Pan Am is the one brand that carried the spirit of America around the world in the ‘Golden Age of Aviation’, and in the decades that followed WWII,” said Dieter Canje, President of MySky Aircraft. “Pan Am stands for prestige, new horizons, exploration, adventure and American achievement like no other trade mark. We are honored to be able to do our part to keep the legacy alive.” The MySky SkyCart is a genuine airline service cart, exactly as it is used by airlines around the world. It actually rolls off of one of the assembly lines that supply the airlines with new carts and is designed, built, and tested to the airlines rigid quality standards. Exterior designs from traditional to ultra-hip make the SkyCart an attractive and useful conversation piece in your home or office. It can be your wine storage, rolling home bar, your home office, and much more.

MySkyCart’s PanAm-themed galley trolley. (image via MySkyCart.com)

“We are thrilled to be working with MySky Aircraft, Inc., to bring such an elemental piece representing the Pan Am experience into homes and businesses. We feel this design, style and functionality make an ideal choice for decorators and aviation fans alike.”, said Stacy Beck, Vice President of Brands and Licensing for Pan American World Airways.

About MySky Aircraft: Established in 2008, MySky specializes in the design of light aircraft and components. The MySky MS-1, its first own design, has been flying since 2009 (www.mysky.aero). With the MySky Collection (www.myskycollection.com) and the MySky SkyCart the company has begun offering aviation related products to interior decorators and the general public. For more information visit: www.myskycart.com

About Pan Am: With over 85 years of heritage, Pan Am, based in Dover, NH is one of the most recognized brands in the world and lives on today as a premier lifestyle brand and accessories manufacturer, as well as the official licensor of Pan Am products and services. In addition to their full line of travel inspired fashion accessories and handbags, Pan Am is currently working with licensees across the globe to continue producing products and services that best represent the Pan Am principals of quality and ingenuity in the marketplace. From chocolate to fashion and lifestyle with all stops in between, the sky has never been the limit. For more information visit: www.panam.com

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Vintage Aviation Publications is a company founded by a group of passionate Warbirds enthusiasts who love the history and technology Aviation Museums preserve for the public. It is our intention to play a role in safeguarding the heritage of these beautiful machines by providing increased awareness and education through the use of internet based digital media. Vintage Aviation Publications is the publisher of Warbird Digest and Warbirds News